The Committee
- Takes note that the Philippines has nominated The practice of making Asin Tibuok, the artisanal sea salt of the Boholano of Bohol Island, Philippines (No. 02316) for inscription on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding:
Asin tibuok, or whole salt, is a traditional type of sea salt made through a long and careful process amongst the Boholano of Bohol Island. The final product looks like a white egg inside a brown shell. It is handmade using natural materials and traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. The salt-making process starts with collecting coconut husks, which are soaked in seawater for months. These husks are then dried, burned and mixed with seawater to create brine. The brine is boiled in clay pots until the salt is formed. The salt is then cooled and collected. Making asin tibuok is a physically demanding process that is usually done by men, though women are involved too, especially in cooking, cleaning and making the pots.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding:
U.1: The practice of making the artisanal sea salt is usually a family activity, and knowledge is passed down through hands-on learning, with children observing and helping their parents. Community groups have recently started to help document and protect the practice. For the practising communities, asin tibuok is a key part of daily life and food traditions. It supports livelihoods and plays a central role in gatherings and celebrations.
U.2: The viability of the practice is affected by a lack of interest among younger generations in the broader context of rural-to-urban migration, as well as by environmental threats (mainly climate change) to salt-making areas.
U.3: The safeguarding plan is feasible and addresses four critical objectives: (a) community engagement; (b) environmental protection; (c) revitalizing intergenerational transmission; and (d) enhancing economic sustainability. The file emphasizes the involvement of community members in every stage of safeguarding.
U.4: The nomination process began in 2023 with extensive consultations and meetings between bearers, willow growers, potters, local associations and cultural organizations. The nomination was prepared with the full support and consent of the community and interested individuals, illustrating how the element is endangered and why it needs urgent safeguarding.
U.5: The element was included in the Municipality of Alburquerque Cultural Mapping in 2018 and in the Philippine Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory in 2024. The role of the communities in the inventorying processes is clear.
- Decides to inscribe The practice of making Asin Tibuok, the artisanal sea salt of the Boholano of Bohol Island, Philippines on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding;
- Encourages the submitting State Party to ensure community participation in all stages of safeguarding (initiation, activities, monitoring) and encourage young generations to learn about the importance of the element to ensure its transmission from generation to generation.